Social Action
Temple Emanu-El is actively involved in activities of the Greater Merrimack Valley Community, as well as national and international Jewish organizations such as:
PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
Tikkun Olam - healing the world - is in integral part of Jewish and temple life. Opportunities to serve in our community abound and many members of the temple already participate in these volunteer efforts throughout the year. While volunteering is often its own reward, it’s always nice to get a little outside recognition for all that hard work. In that spirit, we’re very excited to announce that Temple Emanu-el is now a participant in the national President’s Volunteer Service Award program. This program was established by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation under President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. This program is being continued under President Barack Obama and is administered by the Points of Light Foundation.
Temple members who perform volunteer service both within and outside the temple are eligible to receive service awards when they complete 100 hours or more of service during the year (50 hours for kids). The service must be volunteer (not paid) for a non-profit or not-for-profit organization that serves the community in some way. Public service ordered by a court is not eligible. Service directly related to religious observance is not eligible but other volunteer support of a religious organization is. So, for example, time ushering at high holidays or helping to conduct a Shabbat service would not count but participating in Mitzvah day or volunteering in the temple library would. The awards include a lapel pin, certificate of appreciation and a thank you letter from President Obama. Details of the program may be found at http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov and more information about how to sign up and track your volunteer hours is attached below. Please email volunteer for more information.
To sign up for this program, click here: pvsa-registration-instructions
ARZA - The Association of Reform Zionists of America
The Zionist arm and voice of the Reform Movement in the United States - endeavors to make Israel fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of Reform Jews. As a Zionist organization, ARZA champions activities that further enhance Israel as a pluralistic, just and democratic Jewish state.
MAZON
- To educate and raise the consciousness of the Jewish community regarding its obligation to alleviate hunger and its causes;
- To make donating a portion of the cost of life cycle events (historically at least 3%) to MAZON a permanent tradition in Jewish life; and
- To provide for people who are hungry while at the same time advocating for other ways to end hunger and its causes
Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation
The MVJF mission is to develop and strengthen Jewish identity in the Merrimack Valley by raising Jewish consciousness in support of Israel and in support of local, national, and international Jewish needs.
Synagogue Council
The mission of the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts is to promote and strengthen the synagogue, and to nurture a respect for diversity within our Jewish community.
Project EZRA
On December 25th, Jewish congregations and organizations volunteer their time to cook, decorate, deliver, clean, entertain, organize or simply spend a few minutes visiting those in need. They deliver meals to shelters, soup kitchens, nursing homes and hospitals.
Mitzvah Day
A day of giving back and doing good deeds for both the Temple and the community. Past Mitzvah Day projects were: volunteering for local Haverhill program, “Christmas in April”, toiletries collected and beautifully bagged by the Religious School students and given to the Haverhill Family Shelter, lunch